Jonathan Kuminga’s brief run with the Atlanta Hawks is over before it could really settle in. The team declined his option ahead of Monday’s deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The move closes a chapter that began with a deadline trade last season, when Atlanta acquired Kuminga in the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors. It also puts the former lottery pick back on the market after an uneven stretch in both Golden State and Atlanta.
What Changed in Atlanta
Kuminga spent only 16 games with the Hawks after the trade and averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Atlanta went 46-36, reached the playoffs for the first time under Quin Snyder, and still exited in the first round.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hawks’ decision to decline the option came before the deadline on Monday afternoon. Sports.yahoo.com reported that the timing made Kuminga’s status clear heading into free agency.
| Stop | Games | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 20 | N/A | N/A |
| Atlanta Hawks | 16 | 12.3 | 5.3 |
Why Atlanta Moved On
The Hawks have added several pieces in recent weeks, making Kuminga less essential to the roster picture. Before the NBA Draft, Atlanta acquired Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks.
Atlanta then added Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar in last week’s draft, bringing in more frontcourt and wing depth. With those moves in place, Kuminga became expendable and will now enter free agency for the first time in his NBA career.
Kuminga had previously signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal with the Warriors ahead of the 2025-26 season, with an out available this summer. His next destination is now open, and the Hawks’ decision ensures that his path forward will begin elsewhere.
